Energy Conservation in Classic and Modern Buildings in Sulaymaniyah-KRG, Iraq: Case Study

¹ Department of Civil Engineering, Al-Qalam University, Kirkuk, 36001, Iraq
² Electronic Engineering Department, Faculty of Engineering, Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK), Hong Kong HKSAR.
³ Technical College of Engineering, Sulaimani Polytechnic University, Sulaymaniyah, Iraq

^* Corresponding author: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Abstract

Although energy resources are becoming less available globally due to an increase in global population and industry's growing need for energy, the purpose of this study is to look into both the thermal performance and energy efficiency of both contemporary and traditional residential homes. It specifically looks at how the materials used to build a home, as well as the type and amount of insulation used, affect thermal performance and energy consumption. Indoor and outdoor sensor data collected in real-time was then compared to determine if a modern home using advanced insulation techniques to regulate indoor temperature was more thermally efficient than a traditional home with minimal or no insulation. In comparison, the results indicate that although the advanced insulation techniques could enhance thermal stability, when combined with active heating and cooling systems (i.e., air conditioning), they also significantly contribute to higher energy consumption.The study provides insight into balancing insulation, natural (passive) cooling methods to enhance the overall energy efficiency of residential buildings. A systematic SWOT analysis was used to identify and contrast the behaviors of the materials of traditional and contemporary buildings related to their thermal efficiency and total energy efficiency. This layer of analysis helps clarify the study by identifying the strengths and weaknesses internal and external to each type of building.